🚗 Entering and Leaving Controlled-Access Highways
Highways are designed for fast and smooth traffic flow, but entering and exiting them safely requires the right approach. Here’s a breakdown of the correct actions to take when getting on or off a controlled-access highway.
🛣️ Entering a Highway – The Right Way!
✅ Use the acceleration lane to match the speed of highway traffic.
✅ Check mirrors and blind spots before merging.
✅ Yield to vehicles already on the highway.
❌ Don’t stop at the end of the ramp or expect traffic to yield to you.
Example: A driver speeds up in the acceleration lane and smoothly merges into a safe gap in traffic.
❌ What If There’s No Space to Merge?
✅ Adjust your speed and wait for a safe opening.
✅ Merge when there is a gap—don’t force your way in.
❌ Don’t stop at the end of the ramp—it’s dangerous!
Example: A driver slows slightly to merge behind a truck instead of stopping.
🚦 Missed Your Exit? Here’s What to Do
✅ Stay calm and continue to the next exit.
✅ Adjust your route safely.
❌ Never stop, reverse, or cut across lanes to reach your missed exit!
Example: A driver safely exits at the next off-ramp instead of stopping dangerously.
🏁 Leaving the Highway – The Right Approach
✅ Use your turn signal to indicate your exit.
✅ Move into the deceleration lane before slowing down.
✅ Slow down only after exiting the highway.
❌ Don’t reduce speed too early while still on the highway—it disrupts traffic!
Example: A driver enters the deceleration lane and then gradually slows to exit.
⚡ Acceleration & Deceleration Lanes
✔️ Acceleration lanes help you reach highway speed before merging.
✔️ Deceleration lanes allow you to slow down safely after exiting.
Example: A driver uses the acceleration lane to smoothly merge without causing slowdowns.
🚗 Re-entering a Highway from the Shoulder
✅ Wait for a clear gap before merging.
✅ Accelerate to match highway speed.
❌ Don’t enter slowly and expect traffic to adjust for you.
Example: A driver waits for an opening, then speeds up to safely rejoin traffic.
📋 Quick Recap – Key Highway Rules
| Situation | Correct Action |
|---|---|
| Entering a Highway | Match speed, check mirrors, and yield to traffic. |
| Merging into Traffic | Adjust speed and find a safe gap—don’t stop. |
| Missed Your Exit? | Continue to the next exit—never stop or reverse. |
| Leaving a Highway | Use the deceleration lane to slow down. |
| Acceleration Lane | Speed up to match highway traffic before merging. |
| Re-entering from Shoulder | Wait for a gap, then accelerate and merge smoothly. |
✅ Following these rules ensures a safer and smoother highway driving experience! 🚗💨